GLOBAL GREEN USA ANNOUNCES COMMITMENT TO THE WHITE HOUSE FOR 1MW IN SOLAR INSTALLS BY 2017

Two-Year Initiative Will Encourage Green Building Across California in Support of President’s Obama’s Environmental Vision

MOUNTAIN VIEW, CA – May 12, 2014 – (RealEstateRama) — Drawing on its expertise in green building for affordable housing and a national track record that spans decades, Global Green USA today announced its commitment to solar installs across California that will collectively total 1MW by 2017. The CA-based, national non-profit made the announcement at a press conference hosted by the White House today in Mountain View, California where President Obama outlined his vision for more investments in energy efficiency and renewable energy. #ActOnClimate.

In fulfilling this commitment, Global Green’s Green Affordable Housing Initiative will offer integrative design counsel to up to six affordable housing projects per year in Bay Area, Los Angeles and San Diego, each of which will include an average of 50 kW solar – the system size typically installed to meet annual common area demands.

“Typically, we go in and help affordable housing developers understand the strategy behind installing solar, the rebate, the energy needs of the building, and the long-term ROI,” said Mary Luévano, Interim Executive Director of Global Green USA. GGUSA’s Green Urbanism planning staff members are accredited green raters and LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) accredited professionals, and were among the creators of the LEED for Homes ratings system.

“Often, these affordable green housing projects have solar because we showed them how solar can be integrated into a green building project, versus being a stand-alone initiative,” noted Walker Wells, Director of Global Green USA’s Green Urbanism Program. “The innovation lies in integrating solar PV and thermal energy into a comprehensive green build that considers location, community and energy efficiency factors.”

A national leader in green affordable housing building, Global Green USA was invited by The White House to participate in President Obama’s commitment to solar based on its history of more than 2,000 solar units already installed and certified in projects, including:
Los Vecinos, Chula Vista: One of the first two LEED Platinum Certified Zero Energy Affordable Housing projects in California, the 42-unit development meets nearly all its electricity demand through 93 kW of on-site solar power. The project, located on the site of a former motel that had the largest number of police calls for any single address in Chula Vista, is a testament to what can be accomplished by a determined development and design team that stands by its commitment to extremely high performance standards. The project continues to educate residents on healthy, low impact living.

As part of Global Green USA’s commitment announced by the President today, the organization will be working with projects such as:
Cabrillo Gateway at Century Villages, Long Beach: Cabrillo Gateway will feature 80 permanent supportive homes as well as a federally-qualified health clinic within the Century Villages campus. Century Villages at Cabrillo provides housing for up to 1,000 veteran and non-veteran families, individuals, youth and children to help end the cycle of homelessness. In addition to both transitional and permanent housing, the community offers a range of supportive services to encourage health & wellness, personal development, and restoration of hope.

Cathedral Gardens, Oakland: Centrally located near downtown and public transit, Cathedral Gardens offers 100 affordable rental apartment homes to families. In addition to providing outdoor recreation space for tenants, the development includes an after school homework center, computer learning lab, and a community room.

Taylor Yard, NE Los Angeles: This 68-unit affordable family housing project and associated infrastructure is included in the 24-acre Taylor Yard Redevelopment. The mixed-use, transit-oriented redevelopment design includes a network of pedestrian-friendly streets and blocks, supporting revitalization in Northeast Los Angeles.

Read the complete release on President Obama’s announcements and commitments here.

ABOUT GLOBAL GREEN USA:
Global Green USA is dedicated to helping the people, places, and the planet in need through catalytic projects, transformative policy, and cutting-edge research. Global Green USA’s signature programs include greening affordable housing, schools, neighborhoods, and cities as well as rebuilding communities — such as New Orleans and areas of New York and New Jersey — that have suffered from the impacts of climate change, sea level rise, and environmental degradation. Global Green USA is the U.S. affiliate of Green Cross International, which was founded by President Mikhail Gorbachev in 1993 to foster a global value shift toward a sustainable and secure future. For more information, visit globalgreen.org and follow us @globalgreen.

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